{"id":18993,"date":"2020-04-23T22:46:43","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T22:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=18993"},"modified":"2020-11-11T21:46:52","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T21:46:52","slug":"nitric-oxide-for-respiratory-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/nitric-oxide-for-respiratory-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Nitric Oxide Supports Respiratory Health"},"content":{"rendered":"Jessica Bippen, MS, RD<\/a>, sheds light on how nitric oxide benefits your respiratory health. Plus: additional nitric oxide benefits for health and three simple ways to boost your levels.<\/em>\r\n\r\nNitric oxide probably isn\u2019t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of respiratory health. In fact, you may have never even heard of it before. But it\u2019s about time that changes!\r\n\r\nNitric oxide benefits your body in numerous ways, including supporting your respiratory and immune systems. It also impacts the energy production in your cells, and dilates your blood vessels to improve circulation and muscle recovery. Keep reading to learn more about this compound found in your body, its role in respiratory health, and how to increase your levels naturally.\r\n

What is Nitric Oxide?<\/h2>\r\nBefore we dive in, let\u2019s make it clear we\u2019re not talking about the laughing gas<\/a> you inhale at the dentist’s office. That\u2019s nitrous<\/em> oxide. While both are composed of nitrogen and oxygen, nitric oxide is one molecule of nitrogen and one molecule of oxygen. Alternatively, nitrous oxide has two molecules of nitrogen and one molecule of oxygen. The extra molecule of nitrogen changes the gas completely.\r\n\r\nNow that we\u2019ve cleared that up, let\u2019s take a deeper look at nitric oxide. This naturally occurring compound is made in the body out of the amino acid arginine, as well as the nitrates in your diet.\r\n\r\nIt wasn\u2019t until 1998 that scientists realized the importance of nitric oxide in the body. Three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize after discovering that it\u2019s a key molecule in the cardiovascular system, helping keep blood vessels healthy and regulating blood pressure. Since then there have been over 60,000 studies done on nitric oxide, revealing its essential role in many other bodily systems including the respiratory system, immune system<\/a>, muscles, and brain.\r\n\r\n\"Young\r\n

Nitric Oxide for Respiratory Health<\/h2>\r\nNitric oxide may be best known for its role in heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure. But the underrated role it plays involves the respiratory system. Within the respiratory system, nitric oxide promotes the dilation<\/a> of the blood vessels and the airways to the lungs. The release of nitric oxide in the system also signals mucus secretion and neurotransmitters located in the bronchial wall to support proper lung function. As you can see, to breathe properly, nitric oxide is pretty important!\r\n\r\nIn addition, newer research uncovers<\/a> a new role nitric oxide plays in respiratory function. Studies suggest that nitric oxide signals red blood cells to release the oxygen they carry to the body\u2019s tissues. Without nitric oxide, the cells aren\u2019t able to use the oxygen delivered to them. The nitric oxide enables the blood vessels to open and supply oxygen to tissues.\r\n\r\nDue to this important role in respiratory health, current trials<\/a> are looking at how inhaled nitric oxide can support those whose respiratory system is compromised. When lungs are failing, some body parts receive oxygen, but not others. It\u2019s thought that the intake of nitric oxide gas improves blood flow in areas of the lungs that are getting air, and therefore increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. If this trial works, it has the potential to save lives.\r\n

Additional Nitric Oxide Benefits<\/h2>\r\nIn addition to its benefits for the respiratory system, nitric oxide plays a role in cellular communication and transmitting signals throughout the entire body.\r\n\r\nSome of its main functions<\/a>\u00a0include:\r\n